"Synth DiY is a passion, and Ray Wilson's Music From Outer Space is more than a website, it is home sweet home to those of us who yearn for the music of the spheres. All the sounds in this album were made with the MFOS Soundlab MKii synthesizer, a truly inspiring instrument by Ray. All proceeds from sales of this album will be forwarded to Ray in order to help with his medical expenses for as long as his health requires it. [see this post for details]
released December 15, 2015
All sound design, composition, production, arranging, performance, recording, mixing and mastering by Quincas Moreira.
Album Art by Ted Stall
Soundlab MKii Synthesizer designed by Ray Wilson and built by Quincas Moreira."
"This is my first original module design. I'm mostly a builder but I'm starting to get the hang of the CAD software and basic circuit theory. This module takes any incoming audio signal and creates a pulse out every time the audio passes the threshhold set by the knob. I intended it for the use you see in this video, using the computer audio interface to program modular beats and trigger events like envelopes and sequences. But you can also connect raw drum triggers, microphones, guitars, whatever.... The circuit is 4 times the same path, which basically is a preamp with ridiculous gain -> rectifier -> comparator -> inverter. The threshold is set by setting the initial signal attenuation.
I do plan to make PCBs and panels available to the DiY community, as well as selling them pre-assembled. At this point I'm deciding if it will be a stand-alone box which would work with any system, or if it'll be a module with 3U, 4U and 5U panel versions... The 5U version might become a 'Hex Detector' to make good use of so much panel space."
And via Quincas on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge: "Hello friends, presenting the Quad Transient Detector, my first foray into module design. First time I designed a PCB and it worked fine after minimal troubleshooting. Makes cool solid gates out of any audio signal, so you can use your soundcard to sequence your modular drums, or any other use you can think of..."
"First test of the Dr Monster semimodular performance synthesizer I constructed using an old Peavey reverb chassis, 1 MFOS, 2 CGS and 4 Yusynth modules. Still gotta get the S&H and the EMS filter to work, but it's souding surprisingly nice for not having been callibrated or tuned yet.. Highlight to the Serge/CGS Dual Universal Slew Generator, it kicks major butt"
Hi everyone. I have some incredibly sad news in today. Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space passed away on Thursday, July 21. As many knew, he was battling stage 4 cancer. His family's GoFundMe page is still up and has not yet reached their goal. His family will likely have bills, so if you'd like to contribute something, please do. For those that would like to donate to Ray's family directly via Paypal, I am told his Paypal address is info@musicfromouterspace.com.
Regular readers of MATRIXSYNTH will surely know who Ray Wilson is. For anyone that doesn't, Ray was the man behind the synth DIY site Music From Outer Space. The domain name was registered back in Nov 2003; I'm not sure when the site went live, but there is an archive of the site from the WayBackMachine dated Jan 15, 2004.
Ray's contributions through his website and his YouTube channel have influenced synth DIY hobbyists and budding new makers and manufacturers alike over the years. Many owe him for their start in the world of synth DIY. You can see the exhaustive list of his DIY projects on his site here. His most popular project of course was the MFOS Soundlab Mini-Synth. His work has contributed to more than 590 posts here on MATRIXSYNTH. I'm sure there will be more to come. The first time MFOS was featured on MATRIXSYNTH was back on August 30, 2005, just over a month after I launched MATRIXSYNTH.
Something you may not have known is that he was also an amateur standup comedian, and he shared his performances on his main YouTube channel. As you know, I started MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, Just over a year after MFOS launched. The first time I saw one of Ray Wilson's standup shows I thought I was on the wrong channel! :) When I realized it was him, it of course brought a smile to my face. The first thought that came to my mind was, wow, this is a truly genuine human being. The following is the last standup performance shared on his channel, from August, 2014:
The Ray Wilson Show August 26th 2014
Published on Aug 26, 2014 Ray Wilson
"AMATEUR DOING STANDUP - NOT SYNTH RELATED AT ALL. This is actually sit down comedy. I don't include profanity in my bits because I'm no good at it. If you want to be the Chopped Champ don't miss this episode. If you know someone else that might get a smile out of this I definitely appreciate shares."
Quincas Moreira, who also does synth DIY work, was a friend of Ray's. Together they composed the following piece. Update via Quincas:: "That's Ray singing. It's his song, lyrics, melody and harmony. He'd done a previous version but I thought the song was so awesome it deserved to be properly produced, so I got him to send me the original session and recorded real drums, bass, piano, percussion and backing vocals."
"Quincas Moreira and Ray Wilson collaboration - Are We Waves... Physicists are still working out our true physical nature - currently confusion reigns."
"He'll finally find out if we are waves or particles. Rest in peace my friend."
Update: a quick note worth mentioning from Quincas Moreira who beta tested the app: It's a "brand new engine, they even worked directly with Apple to improve the ios's handling of heavy audio processing like this. Geert Bevin, the Dev, has said there is no dynamic voice allocation as this is a modular, all modules are constantly running, just like on a real one." You can find a list of Quincas Moreira's presets in the comments below.
"Suzanne Ciani, one of the first and most influential female electronic music composers and synthesists, creates a short sonic sketch using the Moog Model 15 modular synthesizer app. Ciani explores the custom-programmed sounds she designed in the app alongside Moog technicians as they hand-build the app's hardware modular namesake at the Moog Factory in Asheville, NC.
Listen to Suzanne's full composition here:
Ciani's unique patches are available as a free expansion pack in the Model 15's in-app store.
The Moog Model 15 App is an iOS version of the iconic 1970’s instrument. It is designed to evoke the joyous experimentation and sonic bliss of it’s predecessor’s vintage hardware, the Moog Model 15 App meticulously recreates the look, feel, and sound of its highly expressive analog namesake."
"In yet another beautiful studio room at the Funkhaus in Berlin, we saw a preview of the Model 15 - a lovingly emulated Moog System 15 modular modeled on iOS - sounded pretty tasty - Geert Bevin takes us through it"
Side note: Geert Bevin is the man behind the MPE: Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression MIDI specification. You can find previous posts featuring Geert and his work here, including the LinnStrument, Eigenharp, Madrona Labs Aalto, and Symbolic Sound Kyma.
"The Moog Model 15 App is the first Moog modular synthesizer and synthesis educational tool created exclusively for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
* The Model 15 App requires iOS version 9.3 or later to work. *
Each facet of the Moog Model 15 modular synthesizer has been meticulously recreated in this application to ensure the power and transcendent sound quality of each module remains intact. The character, harmonic complexity and mystique of the Moog Model 15’s modules, from the legendary Moog 921–series oscillators and 904A Low Pass Filter, to the coveted 907 Fixed Filter Bank have been painstakingly preserved.
In order to develop the most immersive and expressive modular interface possible, the Model 15 App has been designed utilizing Apple’s new Metal advanced graphics engine. This ensures that all zooming, panning and modular patching throughout the application feels completely natural, something that would have been impossible otherwise.
The Model 15 App features both monophonic and 4-voice polyphonic operation is easily commanded via 4 seamlessly integrated controllers. Simple swipes and taps provide instant access to a traditional Moog keyboard, 1150 ribbon controller, 8-step sequencing arpeggiator and the award-winning Animoog keyboard with 22 built-in scales and polyphonic modulation capabilities.
Also included are extended features which expand the capabilities of the app beyond the traditional offerings of the hardware Moog Model 15. These include total MIDI integration, assignment for external control, use as a MIDI controller, dedicated Audio Bridge and MIDI Bridge modules, looping recorder module with overdubbing, a master ping-pong delay module and a new extension cabinet that includes additional amplifiers and voltage-controlled reversible attenuators that can be used for effects like ring-modulation.
Because the Model 15 App utilizes Apple’s Metal technology, only 64-bit devices are supported. Compatible devices include iPhone 5s or newer, iPod touch 6 or newer, iPad Air or newer, and the iPad Pro.
Additional Features
• Ships with over 160 unique presets
• Recreates the sound of a hardware Moog Model 15 modular synthesizer
• Easily share presets and recordings with anyone
• Tutorial patches to assist all experience levels
• Intuitive patching and cable coloring
• Support for landscape and portrait modes
• Voltage-controlled stereo ping-pong delay
• Expressive sequencing arpeggiator
• Moog 1150 Ribbon controller
• Real-time looping recorder with overdub and immediate sharing
• Up to two controllers on-screen (iPad only)
• Optional left-handed UI operation
Supports
• 3D Touch and Apple Pencil integration for after pressure
• Note-per-channel MIDI controllers
• Ableton Link
• Inter-App Audio and Audiobus
• MIDI Bridge and Audio Bridge
• 7 and 14-Bit MIDI
• MIDI Program Change
• Bluetooth LE MIDI controllers
• Typing keyboards for shortcuts and musical typing
• AudioCopy, AudioPaste and AudioShare"
Developing a patch for my talk on Subotnik's Silver Apples
Published on May 24, 2017 Quincas Moreira
"These 3 systems (soundlab, eurorack and Benjolin) will be set up on separate desks and speakers. I will discuss the techniques and concepts of the piece as I demonstrate them on the synths, and eventually the audience will walk around and tweak parameters, play along with their own instruments, etc... Saturday May 27 2017 at Academia de Arte de Florencia in Mexico City."
"Live improvised Modular Synth Jam by Quincas Moreira, featuring his DiY synth and VBrazil modules, as well as the Arturia Beatstep and Patterning on an ipad."
"Introducing the Pacifier 4 channel passive format jumbler, dual attenuator, 2bus (stereo) mixer. A swiss army knife for the performing synthetist. No power, no noise, no distortion!"
"In depth guide to building the Overfolder kit including discussion on efficient procedure for building module kits in general.
Here's a complete demo I did of this module: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jen7I... [below]
Video and Music by Quincas Moreira
Module designed by Vinicius Brazil.
The Overfolder kits and prebuilt modules are ready to ship, please write to me directly if you'd like to purchase one: sdiyguy@gmail.com
Prices are 120usd for a kit and 175usd for an assembled module. Buyer covers Paypal and shipping.
Enjoy!"
Overfolder module demo
Published on Jan 18, 2017 VBrazil Modular
"Demo of our voltage controlled wave folder module for Eurorack
Module design - Vinicius Brazil
Video by Quincas Moreira"
"Groovezilla was my response to the challenge of FAWM 2015, to create a full 14 track album in the 28 days of February. The album was done mostly on the iPad with diverse apps, but there's a good bit of my DIY analog modular in there, as well as my trusty old Hohner electric piano. It is a mix between experimental music and grooves, and the theme is classic monsters. Enjoy!"
"In this class we go through devising and constructing a simple ribbon controller made up of two sensors sandwiched together: A Softpot ribbon from Sparkfun, and a pressure sensor lifted from a broken keybed. A very fun way to interact with your analog synthesizers!
Some ideas: Add an attenuator for the ribbon CV output. Make the circuit into a module (will work fine in 12v) and use a din cable to send the sensor data from the controller to the module. Make a board with many of these in different sizes, joysticks and an antenna, to control different parameters. The possibilities are endless!
pitch in here: https://www.patreon.com/quincas
Video by Quincas Moreira
Music: A jam between Quincas (Drums) and Laercio de Freitas (Rhodes and Bass) done back in 2011 in Rio de Janeiro. Thanks Maestro!"
"Gaz Luke of Big T Music sent me this beautiful Monsoon module, an enhanced version of Mutable Instrument's classic Clouds module. It is smaller but offers more controls, and the brushed aluminium panel sports gorgeous Blade Runner inspired graphics by Gaz and Jonathan Barnbrook of Bowie Blackstar fame. So I made a Blade Runner inspired video of a very unique patch!
Monsoon is a redesign of Émilie Gillet's Clouds module, by Jakplugg Open Source from a concept by Pusherman’s Philip Wise
Video shot and edited by Quincas Moreira and Edgar López. Directed by Quincas. Featuring images from films by Stanley Kubrick (fair use)
Voice over by Gaz Luke.
Music by Quincas.
